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D-backs present Butler & McAllister with organizational awards

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PHOENIX - The Arizona Diamondbacks announced Triple-A Reno manager Brett Butler and scouting supervisor Steve McAllister are the recipients of the third annual D-backs' Joe Garagiola, Jr. Award and Roland Hemond Award, respectively. Butler and McAllister, along with 2012 Organizational Player of the Year Adam Eaton, will be honored during a pre-game, on-field ceremony tonight, before the D-backs take on the Los Angeles Angels at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick.

Butler, who enters his ninth season with the club and fifth as manager of the D-backs' Triple-A affiliate, will be honored with the D-backs' Joe Garagiola, Jr. Award, presented annually to the individual in player development who exemplifies the qualities of strong character, dedication to the D-backs' organization and commitment to excellence in the area of instruction. In 2012, Butler guided Reno to a franchise best 81-63 (.562) record, en route to claiming the club's first Triple-A National Championship, Pacific Coast League Championship and PCL Division title. Butler previously served as the D-backs' first base coach (2005), Single-A Advanced Lancaster manager (2006), Double-A Mobile manager (2007) and as the D-backs' outfield and baserunning coordinator (2008). He played in parts of 17 Major League seasons (1981-97) and is one of only 26 players in Major League history with at least 2,000 hits and 500 stolen bases.

"Brett is the ideal candidate to receive the Joe Garagiola, Jr. Award," said D-backs Director, Player Development Mike Bell. "He demonstrates the kind of character, on and off the field, which we want to see from our young players. He's shown dedication to the Arizona Diamondbacks organization in any role that he performs. And we know our players are receiving the best instruction possible as they ascend through the ranks."

McAllister, who currently serves as the D-backs' Midwest Amateur Scouting Supervisor, will receive the D-backs' Roland Hemond Award, given to the individual in scouting who exemplifies the qualities of strong character, dedication to the D-backs' organization and an unfailing work ethic in the search for championship-level talent. McAllister has overseen the selection of numerous D-backs prospects who have reached the Major Leagues, including Paul Goldschmidt, Brett Anderson, Jarrod Parker and Max Scherzer. He is entering his 12th season with the club and ninth year in his current role after previously scouting for the Brewers, Angels and Red Sox. The Chillicothe, Ill. native played six seasons of professional baseball after being drafted by the Astros in the fifth round of the 1981 free agent draft.

"Simply stated, Steve's contributions over the last decade speak for themselves. They are evident on the field in Phoenix, Arizona and across the Minor Leagues," said D-backs Director, Scouting Ray Montgomery. "He's played an integral role in drafting and signing many current D-backs like Wade Miley and A.J. Pollock while continuing to fill our system with prospects like Archie Bradley. I can't speak highly enough about Steve, who has been married to his wife Jeanine for almost 30 years and it is a true testament to the kind of person, husband and father that he is."

Eaton, 23, will be honored as the D-backs' 2012 Organizational Player of the Year, given to the most deserving player and pitcher as chosen by the D-backs' Player Development staff along with input from the Minor League coordinators and coaches at each affiliate.